I just graduated high school (or the swedish equivalent of it) where I studied Java programming for 2.5years. Learning "basic" java.I will go to collage, but in a year or two after I have saved up some money. In the meantime however, I have no idea what to do.

I find big projects where I need to read and learn ALOT the most rewarding(I find it very easy to learn new things), but they also take a massive amount of time and sometimes it's hard to know where to start or how to structure your code. It's very easy to give up.Smaller projects feel like a "waste of time" because I learn maybe 1-2 new things, but drawing the graphics is taking 20% of the time spent on creating the game (I spend alot of time on graphic even though I dont really need to :/ ).If I ever want to find a job as a game developer I should learn C/#/++. But making games in my spare time would also suffice, that way I can stick to Java.

I also have a job offer from a hosting company where I interned. Although it's no "programming", only server maintenance, simple web design and customer support, It's still something that I really enjoy doing. But being a programmer has been my dream since I was like 10.

So my questions are:1. Programming or "server hosting"? Which is easier to get a job as? (Where I got the offer from is a really small company)2. Should I learn a new language or stick to Java?3. Is it better to start a big project rather than a small one if I have alot of time on my hands?4. What would YOU do/have you done?

NOTE: This started as a post where I asked for advice on my TicTacToe AI which I havent even started yet and became a post about my life decisions-.-Had a few beers and got all deep and shit :/

NOTE 2: wow, this is the first time I have to make lifechanging decisions..

1. I don't know what you mean by "server hosting", but if you mean system administration, then start boning up on Ruby and a field called "devops" (why so much of it is in Ruby, FSM only knows, but so it is). That's sort of the best of both worlds of development and operations (thus the name) and, well, the worst. If you like having people call your cell phone at 2 in the morning because the server is running slow, then go into sysadmin.

2. Learn every single language that tickles your fancy. Never get stuck in one language.

3. Never start with a big project. Starting with a big project means a project that never happens. Small projects eventually tend to become big anyway.

You have a job offer? Where they actually pay you and stuff? Where you actually enjoy doing the work involved? Some sort of congratulations is in order here!

I would grab that job. Maybe in Sweden jobs are easier to come by. I was just at a MeetUp for game programmers in San Francisco last night. Never saw so many talented and smart people all hustling to make connections to try and land a paying job.

And artists! Lots of artists there, too, many of them recent grads from Art School with an emphasis on computer-graphics for games and film and such, all looking for opportunities to get some paid work, or at the least, some experience in the field.

If the job you were offered does not tire you so much that you never end up programming, then I'd go for it and work on game projects on the side. There are lots of things to work on that would pose a moderate challenge, it seems to me.

And college is a really good idea, too, when you are able to do so. There's a lot in the field that is very difficult to learn on one's own, imho. And I'm very much into do-it-yourself and self-education.

1. no Idea2. I would learn as many as possible C++/ DirectX/Opengl would be my pick if you want to go into some serious gaming. I would but java is just way more fun than C++ 3. go small and work your way up4. Anything that has to do with coding, i'm in

Yes I get paid for my job as "whatever it is". Since it's a small company it's kind of an overall position. I look after the servers, ppl call me if they are having troubles with mail/web, I create some cheap websites with CMS tools, like DotNetNuke, and "repair" stuff that ppl send here.It's all in one

Seems like all of you have kind of the same opinion.I will probably take the job, keep creating games in java on my free time while trying to ease myself into C++(syntax, keywords.. easy stuff).

Sounds like a good plan atm, but I have no idea if it works in reality

1. "Server hosting" has no future, this kind of service is in over-supply, and competition is hard. Just wait until Google offers everyone an unlimited cloud virtual dedicated server for free, free domains and whatever. You cannot compete.

2. Do not stick with Java, as I think it's turning into a legacy language quite fast, while other languages are taking over. Look at what is going on in javascript/node universe. Learn other languages but most importantly be capable of easily learn new languages.

3. If you mean game projects... then never do big projects. Small projects, only maybe. If you really really have a good idea that can be turned into a business (like minecraft) then you could put some effort into it. But don't quit your day job until you actually have solid income from games.Small projects could also be considered as a resume projects, like showing off what sort of stuff you can do.. not necessarily game related.

4. Learn how to use new languages. Don't get stuck with just one. And learn different fields, not just game programming, like cryptography, networking, graphics design, audio... don't need to master all, but having insight is incredibly useful. Learn how to be creative and productive. Knowing lots and have a mind that can adapt new things will help you stay competitive and useful in any job.

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